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News | March 11, 2020

USSTRATCOM Commander visits Whiteman AFB and receives familiarization flight

By Airman 1st Class Thomas Johns 509th Bomb Wing

 U.S. Navy Admiral Chas Richard, commander of United States Strategic Command from Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, visited Whiteman Air Force Base for a familiarization tour, March 4-5, 2020.

Richard assumed command of USSTRATCOM in November 2019. The command oversees the global command and control of U.S. strategic forces and operates under the motto “peace is our profession...”

Richard toured Whiteman AFB and met with Airmen and leadership to better understand the unique role the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber offers the USSTRATCOM mission. While on base, he took time to speak at a Whiteman Base Community Council luncheon and received a familiarization flight in a B-2 Spirit.

Richard spoke about his excitement to see Whiteman AFB and the B-2 Spirit firsthand.

“This is the premier stealth bomber unit in the entire Air Force and critical to mission accomplishment,” said Richard. “I’m excited to get some time to actually see it for myself.”

At the BCC luncheon. Richard spoke highly of the council and their involvement with base events and role in improving Airmen’s quality of life.

 “It feels like I just came home and I think that is a great credit to the community and the towns that surround the base,” said Richard. “I know that support is critically important to the base, in terms of the mission that is accomplished here.”

 

Richard spoke directly to Team Whiteman during an all-call where he emphasized the important role Airmen play for the USSTRATCOM mission, and strategic deterrence as a whole.

The Admiral also emphasized the importance of having a combat-ready force.

“Recognize that we’re going to get tested, I need you to be ready for that,” said Richard. “I need you to think through what it takes to accomplish your mission under battle conditions right here at Whiteman Air Force Base.”

Richard also highlighted the impact Whiteman has in the global theater.

“When you’re in competition with nuclear capable adversaries, if they’ve got a card that they can throw on the table that you don’t have an answer for, you lose. You’re our answer to that, you ensure that we always have a card ready to counter, therefore they don’t throw any cards at all. In this mission set, victory looks like nothing happened,” Richard said.